>>180044Clamp the ax to the bench at a comfortable height (Figure 65). Put on gloves to protect your hands.
Hold the file as shown. Because you file into the edge of the ax, not away from it, you need gloves
in case of a minor slip.
Always file into the edge, toward the center of the ax handle, because this creates the least amount
of burr to remove on the other side. The single–cut file sharpens only on the push stroke.
Lift it away from the ax head on the return stroke. If you "saw" with your file, it will fill with metal particles.
It will not cut well and it can also be ruined as the file edges are peened over. Occasionally brush the
metal particles from the file with a file card. Always store and transport your files so they are protected
from each other and other metal tools. Banging them together will dull their edges.
Figure 65—Clamp the ax to the bench at a comfortable height for sharpening.
